El Dia de los Muertos~The Day of the Dead

If you haven't been to Mexico at the end of October or beginning of July, you probably missed out on the celebrations. Though it sounds odd to us here in the US, it is tradition for them. The first days of November are spent remembering their loved ones who have already passed on. The decorate the grave site elaborately and bring things that the love one enjoyed while alive. Then, the hang out in the cemetery with the other people that are doing the same thing. While at the cemetery, the mood is happy~remembering the good times and funny things that happened with that person. They bring food and hang out for most of the early evening and into the night.
In other parts of town, you will find children with their jack-o-lanterns~ They are not trick or treating for candy... They want money :0) You just toss some pesos into the jack-o-lantern.
Before the day of the dead, you will find all kinds of cookies and candy shaped like skulls and skeletons~It's not meant to be scary or gory. It all goes back to remembering those who have passed on. To read more about this tradition, please see below:
The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and relatives who have died. The celebration occurs on the 1st and 2nd of November, in connection with the Catholic holy days of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day which take place on those days. Traditions include building private altars honoring the deceased, and using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed. (you can find the whole excerpt here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Dead )